Mesillat yesharim / The Path of the Just (Torah Classics Library) (English and Hebrew Edition) [Paperback]

Moshe Cayim Luzzatto (Author), Sharaga Silverstein (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993

A completely redone version of a treasured classic. This newly translated volume, complete with facing Hebrew-English text and shoulder captions for clarity, revitalizes the study of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto's classic ethical work. The Path of the Just has long been regarded as the crown-jewel of mussar study. The Gaon of Vilna constantly kept a copy of Mesillas Yesharim at his side, and yet the piercing wisdom of the Ramchal is just as relevant to our own lives. The author gently guides the reader through various levels of character refinement, shining a beacon of life on the path to perfection.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: Feldheim Pub (April 1993)
• Language: English, Hebrew
• ISBN-10: 0873061152
• ISBN-13: 978-0873061155
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #785,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Guide to Spirituality, August 14, 2004

By 

Danny "dannyza" (JHB, South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Path of the Just (Paperback)

This the ultimate Guide to Spiritually, and although the English Title is Misleading, this is not a book for the faint hearted. It is customary among students to learn the first few chapters of the work by heart, and this is no small feat. Luzzato presents the guide to become a spiritually focused, complete and dedicated servant of G-d, in 24 steps.

It is a magnum opus, and although the size is misleading, the information and guide is not. This book can make or break the reader, it is suggested that when studying this work, to at least have some guidance from a Local Orthodox Rabbi.

The content of this monumental work describes in minute detail, how to grow spiritually. It allows one the potential to reach the greatest of heights, but to do so requires tremendous strength, energy and will power. This book was written in the 16th Century. The Vilna Gaon (the Talmudic Sage of the 17th Century) considers the first 8 chapters as completely Divinely Inspired where not a single word is wasted (refering to the Hebrew text).

Feldheim have recently published a new translation of this work and is certainly helping thousands of people attain new understanding of this classic. The reader might wish to first read another of Feldheim classics: "Duties of the Heart" or "The Ways of the Tzaddikim" both excellent works, but act as introductions and guides to the "path of the just"

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An ethical must read, September 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Path of the Just (Hardcover)

The Ramchal establishes the definative "Mussar" (ethical exhortation) baseline for all time in this phenomenal piece. By establishing a ladder of ethical and behavioral levels on which we climb closer to the divine presence, Ramchal presents righteousness in a fashion which makes it both accessible and challenging to all people, regardless of their current environment. A must read for all serious seekers.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must, January 5, 2010

By 

Adam - See all my reviews

This review is from: Path of the Just (Pocket Edition) (Hardcover)

This book is not intended to provide logical arguments as to why one should become an Orthodox Jew. For that, there are numerous books but I recommended simply downloading the free mp3 versions of the Torah proof by Lawrence Keleman (google Torah proof and hit first link- there are two lectures there). Nor is this book intended to be read once and put back on the shelf only to be read again several years later. This book is written for the person who has already found the logical validity of Orthodox Judaism and is striving to perfect himself from the ground-up (or higher of course); it is a book written to be read on a daily basis. When the Gra (Vilna Gaon) read this book, he said that there was not one superfluous word for the first 8 chapters and if he saw the Ramchal (Luzzato), he would run to learn Torah at his feet.

I feel somewhat foolish giving this book a review, for how can I give it justice? It is an absolute must; particularly for the beginner.